By now, we know what happened in the media circle after Caitlin Clark’s “no comment” stance in response to Napheesa Collier’s commissioner report. Clark’s silence became the biggest and most popular headline in the saga despite almost every other player speaking out. Now, imagine how big the news would have been had Clark really said something. That is exactly the point Rachel DeMita highlighted when explaining why Clark’s choice was a smart move.

In a recent episode of her Courtside Club podcast, WNBA analyst Rachel DeMita stated, “I will also note that Caitlin Clark did not reply to this statement, and I think that was smart of her. If Clark would have replied to Napheesa Collier’s statement or had anything to say about it, that would have been the biggest news of the day.”

According to DeMita, Clark’s decision to stay silent ensured the spotlight remained on Collier’s outcry. By withholding her opinion, she avoided shifting attention onto herself and kept the focus squarely on the issue. Beyond that, any comment from Clark might have triggered an even greater wave of anger toward Engelbert, something the commissioner is already facing. In that sense, Clark’s silence may have benefited Engelbert as well.

Jul 19, 2025; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Team Collier guard Paige Bueckers (5) and Team Collier forward Angel Reese (5) celebrate after defeating Team Clark in the 2025 WNBA All-Star Game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images

By now, almost everyone has heard the alleged remarks attributed to Cathy Engelbert. Still, let’s revisit them. During her press conference, Napheesa Collier shared that she asked Engelbert how she intended to address the issue of star players, like the trio of Paige Bueckers, Angel Reese, and Clark, fueling massive revenue for the league, earning so little in their first four years.

Engelbert’s response, as Collier claimed, was, “Her [Engelbert] response was, ‘[Clark] should be grateful. She makes $16 million off the court because without the platform that the WNBA gives her, she wouldn’t make anything.'” Following Collier’s statement, Reese went on X to say, “10/10. No notes!” The Dallas Wings player also had a similar way of showing support. Bueckers took to Instagram to share a picture of herself with Collier with the caption, “Queen Phee.”

Rachel DeMita also stepped in to voice what Caitlin Clark herself has chosen not to address. She questioned Engelbert’s stance, saying, “If Cathy truly feels that Caitlin should be grateful for her and grateful for the WNBA… that is so, so eye-opening.” DeMita pointed out that Clark already had “a lot of endorsement deals before she even came to the WNBA.” This made the commissioner’s framing seem misplaced.

She added that it highlights “how the WNBA has mishandled the superstar that Caitlin is.” DeMita also reminded people that Clark drew “millions and millions of new fans” to the league. In her view, the entire situation is “so wild… and everybody’s wondering what’s going on.”

While Clark may have spared Engelbert by staying quiet, DeMita captured the sentiment of the general audience. It seems that other Fever players shared this perspective as well, stepping forward to show support for their teammate.

Fever teammates speak up on Collier-Engelbert fiasco amidst Caitlin Clark’s silence

The Fever guard’s silence spoke volumes, but her teammates opted for a more outspoken approach. Leading the charge was Sophie Cunningham, the Indiana Fever’s enforcer. Though sidelined for the season with an injury, Cunningham still commands attention. Not for herself, but because she consistently steps up to protect and stand by her teammates.

This motive was on display during the Atlanta-Indiana series and more recently while defending Clark. Never one to mince her words, Cunningham took to social media and gave her two cents on the alleged Engelbert quote. “People only know Cathy because of C [Clark]. She’s the most delusional leader our league has seen.” However, she did not stop there, as she added, “And it shouldn’t ever be about our commissioner in the first place.”

But she was not alone in defending Caitlin Clark. One-third of the Tres Leches, Lexie Hull, also gave her thoughts on this matter. As Hull put it, “It’s a really big time. It’s exciting to see players speak out and speak up about what’s going on in our league. And where our league can go. And the changes that need to be made… I think when it comes down to it, I think I agree with everything she [Collier] said.”

Apart from these two Fever players, Dearica Hamby, Nneka Ogwumike, and many others have also shown their support. But with Caitlin Clark choosing to remain silent, Engelbert is getting a grace period to think about her next move. The whole upper management will be on damage control duty, and it will be interesting to see what the future holds for Cathy Engelbert and the WNBA.